The Kentucky Open Season Sportsman's Expo

By Cassie Johnson

Enjoying the great outdoors can be difficult during the cold winter months. From January 14 - 16, you can experience the best of the great outdoors while being indoors at the Kentucky Open Season Sportsman’s Expo.

For the third consecutive year, the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center will host this exciting, family-friendly event. The Sportsman’s Expo will feature industry-leading companies, high-tech gear, equipment, and the latest hunting and outdoor products on the market today.

In the hunting world, western Kentucky is well known for its abundance of whitetail deer and is home to some of the best fishing in the country. It’s no surprise that the Expo was very successful the first two years, and coordinators expect an even larger crowd in 2022.

Entertaining Seminars

Outdoor sports celebrities will be present for the Seminar Series speaking on subjects from game calling to trapping. One of the highlights for attendees will be Byron Ferguson performing his always popular Trick Shot Archery Show. This Alabama native has been known to shoot a Lifesaver candy with his traditional bow! He entertains the audience with his humorous stories from his hunting excursions over the years.

Fishing demos will take center stage at the Hawg Tank. This 5,000 gallon, trailer-framed, mobile tank is stocked with fish to conduct demonstrations of multiple fishing techniques. Be simultaneously educated and entertained by local pro fisherman and Benton native, Terry Bolton as he explains and demonstrates the tried-and-true methods every fisherman (or woman) needs to know.

You don’t want to miss Eddie Salter, also known as the Turkey Man. He has hunted since he was only eight years old and harvested his first gobbler at 10! Salter has a remarkable record in Turkey Calling competition, claiming seven Southeastern Open Turkey Calling Championships, six Alabama State Championships, and two World Open Championships.

Master coyote trapper Alan Probst will share his methods on trapping many pesky animals including skunks and raccoons. Probst is well known for being the host and producer of the Wild Pennsylvania TV show and has appeared on numerous TV shows across the country.

The expo begins on Friday, January 14, and is open from 2 - 8pm, continues on Saturday, January 15 from 9am - 7pm. It wraps up on Sunday, January 16 from 9am - 4pm. 

Online Prices (until January 13, 2022)

1-Day Adult (ages 18+) $10

1-Day Youth (ages 13-17) $4

Weekend Pass Adult $18

Weekend pass Youth $8

1-Day Family Pack (2 Adults and 2 Youth 13-17) (available online in advance only) $24

Online and Onsite Prices (January 14-16, 2022)

1-Day Adult (ages 18+) $13

1-Day Youth (ages 13-17) $5

Weekend Pass Adult $20

Weekend Pass Youth $9

Children ages 12 and under are free